Systems and methods for online identity verification

ABSTRACT

A system controlling online access to a study course verifies the identity of an individual taking a study course over a global computer network from a first computer at a node of the network. The first computer has a biometric identification program and communicates over the network with a second computer that is at a network node other than a node of the first computer. The second computer includes study program material. The first computer operates a biometric reader, which obtains a first set of biometric data from the individual and a second set of biometric data from the individual while access is granted to course material. The biometric identification program compares the first set of data with the second set of data to make a verification of the identity of the individual and communicates the verification to the second computer.

REFERENCE TO PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/822,135, filed Jun. 23, 2010, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/001,500, filed Dec. 11, 2007, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,765,408, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/385,406, filed Mar. 7, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No.7,765,408 7,308,581. Priority of the aforementioned filing dates ishereby claimed, and the disclosures of the aforementioned patentapplications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to online identity verification systems andmethods, particularly those associated with online study courses.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the proliferation of online commerce and education, the need forimproved ways of administering online study courses and examinations hasincreased. Ensuring the integrity of an examination or the study of acourse online is difficult, because the user is at a remote location,such as at home, a library, or an office, where he or she cannot bemonitored by an exam or course administrator or a proctor.

Presently, online education providers such as online traffic schools whoprovide driver education courses have limited ways of verifying theidentity of the individuals who access their courses online. Forexample, most online traffic schools request identifying informationsuch as birthdays, drivers license numbers, social security numbers,passwords, addresses, and the like, most of which can easily be obtainedby imposters. Others require that such information be providedperiodically during the course of an examination. None of these methods,however, provide sufficient assurances that the person accessing thecourse or taking the examination is the actual person who is required totake the course or the examination.

In addition, present systems for identity verification cannot bedeployed in an efficient, practical and inexpensive manner that makesthem feasible for use by a significant segment of online educationresource providers. Thus, there is a need for improved online identityverification systems that can be used by online education providers. Thepresent invention solves these and other problems associated with thestate of the art.

SUMMARY

Verifying the identity of an individual taking an online study coursefrom a network node includes obtaining and storing in a memory a firstset of data representative of an image of a photo identification card ofthe individual, and a second set of data representative of one or moreimages of the individual's face. A face recognition program compares thefirst and second sets of data to verify the identity of the individual.The individual is provided with online access to course material. Themethod can also include obtaining one or more additional sets of datarepresentative of one or more images of the individual's face takenwhile access to the course material is provided, and using the facerecognition program to compare the one or more additional sets of datawith the first set of data, the second set of data, or both the firstand second sets of data to make one or more additional verifications ofthe identity of the individual.

One computerized method for verifying the identity of an individualtaking an online study course can include obtaining and storing in amemory a first set of biometric data representative of one or morephysical characteristics of the individual. The first set of data isobtained by the individual's computer. The method also includesobtaining and storing in the memory a second set of biometric data froma third party computer. The second set of biometric data isrepresentative of one or more physical characteristics of theindividual. The method further includes comparing the first set of datato the second set of data to verify the identity of the individual, andproviding the individual with access to course material uponverification of identity. The method can also include obtaining one ormore additional sets of data representative of one or more physicalcharacteristics of the individual while access to the course material isprovided, and comparing the one or more additional sets of data with thefirst set of data, the second set of data, or both the first and secondsets of data to verify the identity of the individual.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a computerizedmethod for verifying the identity of an individual taking an onlinestudy course includes obtaining and storing in a memory a first set ofdata representative of at least one image of the individual's face.Access to the study course is provided. Then a second set of datarepresentative of at least one image of the individual's face, which istaken while access to the course material, is provided. A facerecognition program compares the first set of data to the second set ofdata to verify the identity of the individual.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a computerizedmethod for verifying the identity of an individual taking a study courseover a computer network from a computer at a node of the networkincludes receiving a request from a web browser associated with thecomputer for access to a web page having study course material. The webpage that is accessed can have an imbedded field that receives a valuefrom the individual's computer. The value can be an access value if acamera associated with the individual's computer is activated, or it canbe a decline value if the camera is not activated or if the individual'scomputer does not verify the identity of the individual. The method canalso include verifying that the value inserted into the imbedded fieldis an access value and granting access to the course material.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a system forverifying the identity of an individual taking an online study courseincludes a centralized computer that has study course material andpersonal information associated with the individual. The system alsoincludes a remote computer in communication with the centralizedcomputer. The remote computer has a biometric identification program andmemory for storing biometric data. A biometric reader, which can beoperated by the remote computer, is also included. The biometric readercan obtain a first set of biometric data from the individual, and asecond set of biometric data from the individual while access is grantedto the course materials. The biometric identification program cancompare the first set of data with the second set of data to verify theidentity of the individual and communicate the verification to thecentralized computer.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a program productcomprises a computer-readable medium and computer-executableinstructions recorded on the computer-readable medium for performing amethod. The method includes activating a biometric reader thatcommunicates with a user's computer and searching for a unique datafield that is imbedded in a web page of a remote computer that hasonline study course material. The method can also include inserting avalue into the data field, and the value can be an access value if thebiometric reader is activated.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparentfrom consideration of the following description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an identity verification system for anonline study course.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a computerized method for verifying theidentity of an individual taking a study course over a global computernetwork.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a computerized method for verifying theidentity of an individual taking a study course over a global computernetwork.

FIG. 4. is a flow chart of a computerized method for verifying theidentity of an individual taking a study course over a global computernetwork according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 5A-5B represent a flow chart of a computerized method forverifying the identity of an individual taking a study course over aglobal computer network according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a networked computer system for verifying and identifyingan individual taking a study course over a global computer network. Thesystem includes a central server computer 10 that communicates with oneor more user computers 40, 41, 42 and a printer 30. The central computer10 can be any computer at a node within a computer network that managesnetwork resources, such as a file server, a database server, a networkserver, or a web server, and the like.

The central server includes a central processing unit (CPU) 12, anetwork interface 14 and a memory 15 for storing data. The memory 15 caninclude a storage device, a volatile memory such as any type of RAM, anda nonvolatile memory, such as ROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. The storagedevice can be of any type known to those of skill in the art, such asmagnetic tape, floppy disk, hard disk, CD, DVD, magneto-optical disk,and the like. The storage device can be installed as single drives orgrouped into libraries of media drives.

The data stored in the memory 15 can include stored user informationdata 17, study course material data 18, and biometric data 19. The studycourse material data 18 can include web pages that include coursematerial. The web pages can have imbedded data fields for receiving anaccess value from the user computer 40, 41, or 42. Biometric data 19refers to data representative of a person's physiological or behavioralcharacteristics, such as fingerprints, irises (or other ocular anatomy),voice patterns, facial patterns, hand measurements, and signatures foridentification and verification purposes.

The central server computer 10 communicates with the user computers 40,41, 42 through a global computer network such as the Internet. The usercomputers 40, 41, and 42 can be any computer that an individual may useto access online study course material, such as a home computer, aschool computer, a library computer, a work computer, a coffee shopcomputer, and the like. The terms “user computer”, “user's computer”,and “individual's computer” are used interchangeably herein.

Each of the computers 10, 40, 41, and 42 is a node of the globalcomputer network. Details of one computer 40 will be understood to applyto the others 41, 42. The user computer 40 includes a CPU 44, andinput/output devices 43, such as a keyboard, a display, and a printer.The user computer 40 can also include various types of memory. Forexample, it can have a direct access storage device (DASD) 48, such asmagnetic disk or CD, DVD, or magneto-optical Disk, which can be used tostore biometric data. It can also have an operating memory 46 thatincludes volatile (i.e., main) memory, and nonvolatile memory, such asany of magnetic disk or CD, DVD, or magneto-optical disk. Each computer40 includes a program product reader 47 that accepts a program productstorage device 49, from which the program product reader can read dataor onto which it can write data. The program product reader 47 cancomprise, for example, a disk drive and the program product storagedevice 49 can comprise a computer-readable medium, such as a magneticfloppy disc, CD-R disc, CD-RW, or DVD data disc, or any type ofcomputer-readable medium known to those of skill in the art.

Also coupled to the computer is a biometric reader 50, such as a camera,a fingerprint reader, a microphone, an eye scanner, an electronicsignature pad, or a hand scanner. The biometric reader 50 is controlledby a biometric identification program, which can be stored in thevolatile memory 46 or some other memory of the computer 40.Alternatively, the program can be stored at a different location andretrieved for execution. For example, the program can be retrieved fromthe program product 49, or can be a browser plug-in obtained from thecentral server 10, or can be executed from the central server 10.

In one embodiment, the central server 10 also communicates with a thirdparty computer 20 from which it can obtain biometric data 22, such asdata representative of a user's signature, voice, ocularcharacteristics, fingerprints, hand geometry, and/or facial image orphotograph. The third party computer can, for example, be controlled ormanaged by a governmental agency, such as the California Department ofMotor Vehicles or the like, which stores biometric data for all of thoseindividuals who have a drivers license in California. Alternatively, thethird party computer can be controlled or managed by a private companythat stores and manages biometric data. The central server 10 can storethe biometric data 22 that it receives from the third party computer 20in its memory 15. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the third party computercan alternatively communicate directly with the user computer 40, whichcan store data received from the third party computer in the DASD 48 ormemory 46.

In one embodiment, the biometric reader 50 is a camera, and thebiometric identification program is a face recognition program, such asFacelt® by Identix, Inc. The face recognition program, which the usercomputer 40 can execute, performs facial matching and verificationfunctions. The camera 50 is controlled by the face recognition program.Alternatively, the face recognition program is executed by the centralserver 10, which communicates with the user computer 40.

To begin user verification, the user computer 40 is turned on and theface recognition program is launched. The face recognition programautomatically activates the camera 50. The camera can begin takingimages of the user or can start the imaging process later. The userattempts to access study course material by communicating with thecentral server 10 through a web browser at the user computer 40. The webbrowser can be a custom browser that is configured for operation asdescribed herein, or it can be a browser that is commercially available,such as Microsoft “Internet Explorer”®. The browser is used to accessone or more web pages from the central server 10 to retrieve the studycourse material. The face recognition program searches through every webpage received by the web browser for an imbedded data field having aunique name. The data field can be a meta data field or a visible datafield. When the face recognition program identifies the data field, itinserts a value into the data field. In one embodiment, if the camera isactivated, the face recognition program inserts a data field with anaccess value. If the camera is not activated, then no access value isinserted. Instead, a “decline” value or no value is inserted. In anotherembodiment, an access value is not automatically inserted in the datafield until after the face recognition program indicates a verification.Thus, in the second embodiment, access to the course materials is notgranted until after verification. In either case, once the data field ofthe received page is populated with a value, a CGI script executed bythe central server 10 identifies the access value when a “continue” weblink of the received page is selected, and provides access to a web pagehaving study course materials, or it identifies the “decline” value anddenies access to any web pages having course materials.

As mentioned above, access to course materials can be granted eitherbefore or after verification is made. To verify the identity of theuser, the camera 50 is pointed toward the user and takes an initialtemplate image or set of images of the user's face. This first set ofdata is transmitted to the central server 10 and stored in the memory15. It can also be stored in the DASD 48 or the main memory 46 of theuser's computer 40. The first set of image data can comprise one imageof the user or a set of two or more images of the user. Next, the cameratakes a second set of one or more images of the user. The second set ofimages can be one image or multiple images taken periodically, such asevery five, ten, fifteen, or thirty minutes, or continuously, such asevery millisecond while the camera is on. The face recognition softwarein real-time compares the one or more images in the second set with theone or more images in the first set to verify that the user in front ofthe camera 50 at the time of the second images is the same individual asthat in the first set of images. If verification is made, the user iseither granted initial access or continued access to course material. Ifverification is not made, then access to the study materials will bedenied through any of the following mechanisms. In a first mechanism,the face recognition software shuts down, which can also automaticallydeactivate the camera and shut down the web browser. No further webpages will be provided, because either the web browser will be shut downor the face recognition software will not be on and will consequentlynot insert an access value into the imbedded data fields that reside ineach of the web pages displaying the study course materials. In a secondmechanism, the face recognition software signals the camera 50 to turnoff. If the camera is off, then the face recognition software will notinsert an access value into the imbedded data fields on the web pages.Instead it will insert either no value, a “decline” value, or a failuremessage to the web page.

The face recognition software can also detect facial movements toconfirm that the user's face is a live face and not a mask or photographimage. If facial movements are not detected, then the face recognitionsoftware will either shut down, or it will deactivate the camera asdescribed above.

In an alternative embodiment, access to course materials continues evenafter the software is shut down or the camera is deactivated, but theuser is not provided with a certificate of course completion. Instead,the user is notified that identity verification has failed and that heor she will not be provided with course completion credit.

The camera 50 can also be used to image the user's eye rather than hiswhole face. This can also be accomplished using an iris scanner insteadof a camera.

When the first set of images are taken by the camera 50, they can betransmitted to the central server 10 and stored in the memory 15, andthey can also be stored in the DASD 48 or main memory 46 of the user'scomputer. The second set of images can also be transmitted to thecentral server and stored in the memory 15 there, and they can also bestored in the DASD 48 or main memory 46 of the user's computer. When thecamera 50 is deactivated and further access is denied; if a copy of thefirst set of images is stored in the DASD 48 or the main memory 46, theface recognition program causes the first set of images stored in theDASD 48 or the main memory 46 to be deleted. This is a precaution thatdenies the user the opportunity to manipulate the images. The next timethe user tries to access the course material, the first set of imagescan be transmitted from the central server 10 to the DASD 48 or mainmemory 46 of the user computer 40. The face recognition software andcamera will again be activated and will take a new set of one or moreimages. The new set of images will be compared in real-time by the facerecognition software with the first set of images. Thus, the systemmakes it difficult for the user to manipulate or alter the first set ofimages that were taken.

In another embodiment, the face recognition software can instead beexecuted from the central server rather than the user's computer. Inthat case, the first and second set of images are transmitted to thecentral server for analysis by the face recognition software. If averification is not made, the central server will deny access ordiscontinue further access to the study course materials.

In another embodiment, the biometric reader 50 is a fingerprint reader.The system operates in the same manner as described with respect to thecamera, except that the biometric identification program is fingerprintrecognition software rather than face or eye recognition software, andthe biometric data being analyzed are representative of fingerprintsrather than images of the face or eyes.

In another embodiment, the biometric reader 50 is a microphone. Thesystem operates in the same manner as described above, except that thebiometric identification program is voice recognition software, and thebiometric data being analyzed is representative of the user's voice.

In another embodiment, the biometric reader 50 is an eye scanner asdiscussed above.

In another embodiment, the biometric reader is an electronic signaturepad. The system operates in the same manner as described above, exceptthat the biometric identification program is a signature analysisprogram, and the biometric data being analyzed is representative of theuser's signature.

In still another embodiment, the biometric reader is a hand scanner. Thesystem operates in the same manner as described above, except that thebiometric identification program is a hand geometry recognition program,and the biometric data being analyzed is representative of the user'shand geometry.

In still another embodiment, the user computer 40 has a card reader 45in addition to the biometric reader 50. The card reader 45 can obtain afirst set of biometric data imbedded in a microchip or a magnetic stripon the card. The first set of biometric data can be stored on the user'scomputer 40 and/or the central server 10. Additional sets of biometricdata obtained while the user is accessing the study course materials canbe compared with the first set of biometric data by a biometricidentification program. As described above, the comparison can beperformed by a biometric identification program on the user's computeror the central server.

In another embodiment, the first set of biometric data is obtained bythe central server 10 or the user's computer 40 from a third partycomputer 20 that stores biometric data. For example, when the usercomputer 40 accesses the central server 10, the central server 10identifies the user and accesses the user's personal information datafrom the personal information data 17 stored in the memory 15. It usesthat data to retrieve a first set of biometric data corresponding withthe identified user from the third party computer 20. For example, thethird party computer can be associated with a governmental agency suchas the Department of Motor Vehicles for the state or county in which theuser is licensed. The user's personal information can include the user'sdrivers license number. The central server can use the user's driverslicense number to retrieve a first set of biometric data from theDepartment of Motor Vehicles biometric database 22. That data can bestored in the central server 10 and it can be transmitted to the user'scomputer from the central server. Alternatively, the user can retrievethe biometric data from the third party computer and forward it to thecentral server.

Next, the biometric reader 50 can obtain a second set of live biometricdata from the user while the user is accessing the server 10. And asdescribed above, a biometric identification program (BIP) can comparethe two sets of data to make an identification. As described above, theBIP can be stored on the central server 10 or on the user's computer 40.If it is stored on the central server 10, then the comparison isperformed by the central server 10. If the BIP is stored on the user'scomputer, then the comparison is performed by the user's computer. Theuser will have access to study course materials as long as anidentification is made.

FIG. 2 is a generalized block diagram laying out the alternative datapathways for a computerized method for verifying and identifying anindividual (also referred to as a user herein) taking a study courseover a global computer network, such as the Internet. The user uses hisown user computer at 60 to create or retrieve a biometric sample. Thebiometric sample can be created using a biometric reader to obtain asample from the user at 70, or by taking a photograph of the user'sphoto identification at 78. Alternatively, the user's computer canretrieve a biometric sample from a third party database at 72, acorporate database at 74 or by using a smart identification card read bya smart card reader at 76. Next, the sample is stored in a memory of theuser's computer at 80, in a memory of the server computer at 82, in botha memory of the user computer and server computer at 84, or in a memoryof a third party computer at 86. The server computer then provides theuser computer with access to course material at 90. The course materialis shown in a custom browser at 100, in a conventional browser at 102,in a nonbrowser application at 104, or from a CD-ROM, DVD, or floppydisk at 106. Next the user's identity is verified against a user file at110, a server file at 112, against both a user file and a server file at114, or against a third party file at 116. In each case, theverification process is executed on either the server computer, theuser's computer, or a third party computer. If verification is notindicated at 125, then one of several alternative operations takesplace: verification is again attempted at 140, the course window is shutdown at 142, the user is allowed to continue 144, or the continue buttonis disabled at 146. If verification not indicated at any of steps 140,142, 144, or 146, the user is notified of the verification failure. Thenotification can be before the user completes the course or after. Ifverification is indicated at 120, then the user is allowed to continueat 130. Once the user completes the course, a course completioncertificate can be sent to the user. The course completion certificatecan either have a biometric sample imbedded into it at 150, or it can besent without a biometric sample at 155. The biometric sample can befurther verified against a previously verified or authenticated sampleat 170, or further verification can be avoided at 175.

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of a computerized method for verifying andidentifying an individual taking a study course over a global computernetwork, such as the Internet. In the first operation 200, the userturns on his computer at a network node and launches a biometricidentification program (BIP). The BIP serves two purposes: it verifiesthe identity of the user; and it enables access to the web pages thatinclude the study course material on the web site of the onlineeducation provider. The BIP automatically activates the biometric readerat step 205. Alternatively, the user can manually activate the biometricreader. In either case, the BIP is aware of whether or not the biometricreader is activated. The BIP then automatically launches a customerbrowser at step 210. Alternatively, the web browser can be aconventional web browser such as Microsoft “Internet Explorer®.” Thebrowser is configured to ensure data security and confidentiality asbetween the user computer and the server computer. Alternatively, theuser can manually launch the browser rather than having the BIPautomatically launch the browser. The browser is used to request accessto a web page with study course materials from a web site of an onlineeducation provider at step 220. The first web page can be a controlpanel that does not include study course materials but instead includesdata entry fields to collect personal information from the user. Thefirst web page can include an imbedded data field that can receive anaccess/decline value. In accordance with the web page HTMLspecification, the imbedded access/decline data field can have a uniquename, and the BIP can search the web page for a data field with thatname. The imbedded data field can be a meta data field or a visible datafield. Once the BIP finds the access/decline value data field, itpopulates the data field with a value, as indicated at 230. The valuecan be an access value if the biometric reader is activated, or it canbe a decline value or no value if the biometric reader is not activated.After entering data at the control panel web page, the user thenrequests access to the next web page or a web page that provides studycourse materials by sending a request for the page. The request can beinitiated by clicking on a web page link from the currently viewed page.In the illustrated embodiment, the request involves sending the web pagepopulated with the access/decline value back to the web site serverwhere a common gateway interface (CGI) script is executed. The CGIauthenticates the request, such as by recognizing that it has beenreceived from the custom browser or through other security safeguardswith conventional browsers, and then the CGI script analyzes the data inthe web page, including the imbedded access/decline value data field. Ifthe data field is populated with a decline value or no value, thenaccess to the next web page is denied by the CGI script at step 275. Ifthe value is populated with an access value, then access to the next webpage is granted, as indicated at 233.

For the case where access is granted, as indicated by 233, averification is indicated at 240. The biometric reader will obtainbiometric data from the user while the user is accessing the studycourse materials. The data will be compared by the biometricidentification program against earlier biometric data taken of the user.The earlier data could have been taken by the biometric reader beforelaunching the web browser. Alternatively, the earlier data can beobtained from a third party database, such as the database of agovernmental agency or a database of a private company that storesbiometric data. If the biometric data is an image of the user's face,the earlier data can represent an image of photo from the user'sdriver's license or other photo identification taken by the biometricreader, which can be a camera. For example, the user can hold hisdrivers license up to the camera which can image the license or just thephotograph pictured on the license. Alternatively, a card readercommunicating with the user's computer can be used to obtain data from asmart identification card, such as a drivers license having data storedon it. The card reader can obtain earlier biometric data, such as datarepresenting one or more characteristics of the individual's face,fingerprints, signature, hand geometry, or voice from the smartidentification card.

If the earlier image is an image of a photograph pictured on anidentification card or some verified biometric data from a third partydatabase, then an identification of the individual can be made, ratherthan just a verification that the person in the second set of data isthe same as the person in the first set of data. Furthermore identitycan be verified by matching biometric data with verified orauthenticated biometric data.

As part of the process at 240, the biometric identification programcompares the two separate sets of data to indicate a verification. If averification is indicated at 234 then further access to course materialsis permitted, and the verification process is repeated eitherperiodically or continuously. For example, a camera can take an image ofthe user every five, ten, fifteen, or thirty minutes and compare it inreal-time against an earlier image. Alternatively, the camera can takeimages continuously, such as every millisecond, and compare them inreal-time against the earlier image or images until the user eithervoluntarily decides to stop accessing the web site and shuts down thebiometric identification program, or the biometric identificationprogram fails to make a verification.

If a verification fails, as indicated at 235, then either the reader isdeactivated by the BIP, as indicated at 245, or the BIP shuts itselfdown, as indicated at 270. The deactivation of the reader 245 results inone of three alternative actions. In a first action, the deactivation ofthe reader can signal the BIP to change the imbedded value from anaccess value to a decline value or no value, as indicated at 250.Therefore, when the next web page is requested and the CGI scriptanalyzes the access/decline value data field, it does not recognize theaccess value and signals the web site server to deny access to the nextweb page of course materials, as indicated at 275. Alternatively, thedeactivation of the reader can signal the biometric identificationprogram to shut down the browser, as indicated at 255. This results inthe discontinuation of further access to the online course and,consequently the study course materials on the web site, as indicated at275. Alternatively, the deactivation of the camera can signal the BIP topass a verification failure message to the central server, as indicatedat 260. The verification failure message signals the central server todeny further access to the course materials, as indicated at 275.

If the BIP is shut down, as indicated at 270, then it can signal thebrowser to shut down along with it. Alternatively, the browser canremain in operation, but the web site server will transmit only one moreweb page to the user's computer. That is because the BIP is shut downand consequently cannot populate the access/decline value data field inthe next web page with an access value.

In an alternative embodiment, the central server can continue to grantaccess to course materials in response to the deactivation of the readeror the shutting down of the BIP, but can transmit a notice to the userat a later time that identity verification has failed, and that he orshe will not be provided with credit for the course or a certificate ofcourse completion. The notice can be provided electronically, bytelephone, or by regular mail. Thus, the user continues to take thecourse not realizing that he or she will not be provided with coursecredit or a certificate of course completion. This alternativeembodiment is a further deterrent to tampering with the identityverification protocol or attempting to have an imposter take the course.

In one embodiment, as described above, the biometric reader can be acamera. The camera can be activated by the BIP or by the user at 205.The BIP automatically (or the user manually) launches a web browser at210, and requests access to a control panel web page from a centralserver that provides an online study course at 220. The BIP can be aface recognition program. The BIP populates a data field imbedded in theweb page with an access value if the camera is on and a decline or novalue if the camera is off at 230. If the data field is populated with adecline value, access to the next web page is denied at 275. If the datafield is populated with an access value, access is granted at 233, andthe identity verification operation goes into effect at 240. The camerais pointed toward the user and takes one or more images of the user.Those images are compared against earlier images of the user. Theearlier image(s) can be taken by the camera before request for access tothe course materials is made. Alternatively, the earlier image can be animage of a photo from the user's photo identification card, such as adriver's license card, taken by the camera. Alternatively, the earlierimage can be retrieved from a third party database or from the memory ofa smart identification card interfacing with a card reader connected tothe user's computer. The face recognition program compares the first setof images against the second set of images and if verification is made,as indicated at 234, then access to course materials is maintained, andthe user can obtain access to further web pages. If verification fails,as indicated at 235, then either the camera is deactivated by the BIP at245 or the BIP shuts itself down at 270. Once the camera is deactivated,the BIP causes the browser to pass a verification failure message ormodifies the imbedded value to a “decline” value or password, asindicated at 260 and 250 respectively. This causes the central server todeny further access, as indicated at 275. Alternatively, thedeactivation of the camera at 245 causes the BIP to shut down thebrowser, as indicated at 255, which causes the central server to denyfurther access, as indicated at 275.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart that illustrates the steps taken in a method forverifying and identifying an individual taking a study course over aglobal computer network, such as the Internet. Initially, at the firstoperation 300, the method involves obtaining personal information fromthe user, such as name, address, telephone number, email address,drivers license number, social security number, and the like. As notedabove, this can be achieved through data entry at a control pane webpage. At 310, that information is stored in a database in the memory ofa central server.

A first set of biometric data representative of one or more physicalcharacteristics of the user is obtained using the user's computer at320. For example, the first set of biometric data could represent animage of the user's face, a fingerprint of the user, the user's voice,the user's signature, the user's hand geometry, or characteristic of theuser's eye, such as the iris. The first set of biometric data is storedon the user's computer at 330. It can also be transmitted to the centralserver over a global computer network and stored 310 there as well.

The first set of biometric data can be obtained 320 in severalalternative ways. First, it can be obtained by a biometric readerconnected to the user's computer. Second, it can be obtained by a cardreader that reads an identification card imbedded with biometric data ofthe user. Third, it can be obtained from a third party database thatstores biometric data. Such a database could be a governmental agencycomputer database or the database of a private organization or companythat stores biometric data. The personal information provided by theuser can be used to identify and obtain the biometric data correspondingwith the user from the third party database. Fourth, the biometricreader can be a camera that takes an image of the individual's photoidentification card, such as a drivers license, and uses the image ofthe photo identification as the first set of biometric data. Othertechniques for obtaining biometric data will occur to those skilled inthe art.

The next step 340 is to grant access to the study course materials.Thus, a next web page containing course materials will be served to theuser's computer. Next, at 345, while the user is accessing study coursematerials, the biometric reader is used to obtain a second set ofbiometric data from the user. The second set can be stored in the memoryof the user's computer, and it can also be stored in the memory of thecentral server, if desired. A biometric identification program thencompares the first set of biometric data with the second set ofbiometric data at 347. If there is an identification match at 350, a“yes” outcome at 350, and the user wants further access 355 to coursematerials, a “yes” outcome at 355, then further access is granted at340. The user can indicate that he or she wants more access by, forexample, doing nothing and thus maintaining the web page currentlyviewed beyond a predetermined time limit. Other means of requestingfurther access could, for example, comprise clicking on a continuebutton, clicking on a “next page” button, scrolling down a web page, orvarious other mechanisms known to those of skill in the art. Steps 340to 355 can be repeated periodically, between relatively long intervals,such as every five, ten, fifteen, or thirty minutes. Alternatively,steps 340 to 355 can be repeated continuously, such as everymillisecond. For example, if the biometric reader is a camera, thecamera can take images at, e.g., ten frames per second or more, whilethe biometric identification program runs the comparison in real-timeevery millisecond.

If the biometric identification program fails to make a match (i.e.,verification), a “no” outcome at step 350, or fails to make a series ofmatches, or if the user wants to exit the program, a “no” outcome at355, then the first set of biometric data is deleted from the user'scomputer at 360, and further access to course materials is denied at365. In addition, the second set of biometric data may also be deleted.It should also be noted that the steps of denying further access at 365and deleting the first set of biometric data from the user's computer at360 can be reversed in sequence.

If the biometric data comprises facial images, then once the user hascompleted the study course materials and does not desire further accessto course materials, a “no” outcome at step 355, the next step afterdeleting the biometric data at 360 and denying further access at 365 canbe to obtain a photo identification or copy thereof from the user at370. The photo identification or copy thereof can be transmitted eitherby mail to the online education provider, or it can be electronicallytransmitted to the central server. Alternatively, the central server canaccess a third party database that stores biometric data, such as thedatabases of the Department of Motor Vehicles or some other governmentalagency or private biometric data storage company. The photoidentification data is compared with the first, the second, or both thefirst and second sets of biometric data at 375 to verify the identity ofthe user. This can be an automated process using a face recognitionprogram, or it can be done manually. If there is an identificationmatch, a “yes” outcome at 377, then a certificate of study coursecompletion is prepared at 385, and it is sent either by regular mail orelectronically to the individual at 390. The certificate can also bemailed to a third party at 395 that may require proof of coursecompletion, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles. As indicated inFIG. 4, the photo identification can be obtained after further access tothe course materials is denied (or the course is completed) at step 370,or it can be obtained before the course is completed (not shown).Comparing the photo identification with the first, the second, or boththe first and second sets of data after course completion provides theadded benefit of reducing preliminary inconveniences to the user, thuspromoting the use of the online education provider's web site.

In some embodiments, the certificate can include an image representingthe first or second sets of biometric data. For example, the certificatecan include an image of the user's face, eye(s), signature, handgeometry, or fingerprints.

If verification fails at step 377, then a notice of identificationfailure is sent to the user at 378.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are a flowchart that illustrate another embodiment ofthe invention. Initially, beginning with the operation at 400, themethod involves obtaining personal information from the user, such asname, address, telephone number, email address, drivers license number,social security number, and the like. At 410, that information is storedin a database in the memory of a central server.

At 420, a first set of biometric data representative of one or morephysical characteristics of the user is obtained using the user'scomputer. For example, the first set of biometric data could representan image of the user's face, a fingerprint of the user, the user'svoice, the user's signature, the user's hand geometry, or characteristicof the user's eye, such as the iris. The first set of biometric data canbe obtained at 420 using a biometric reader connected to the user'scomputer. For example, the biometric reader can be a camera, afingerprint reader, a microphone, an eye scanner, an electronicsignature pad, or a hand scanner.

Next, at 430, the first set of biometric data is stored on the user'scomputer. It can also be transmitted to the central server over a globalcomputer network and stored there as well. The purpose of storing thefirst set of biometric data in the memory of the central server is thatit prevents the user from being able to alter the data on his owncomputer after terminating communication with the central server. Oncecommunication is terminated, the biometric identification program cancause the first set of biometric data to be deleted from the user'scomputer, and when the user attempts to re-access the course material ata later time, the central server will transmit a copy of the first setof biometric data to the user's computer. Thus, the user cannot alter ormanipulate the data.

The next step at 440 is to obtain a second set of biometric data. Thissecond set of biometric data can be obtained in several alternativeways. First, it can be obtained by a card reader that reads anidentification card imbedded with biometric data of the user. Second, itcan be obtained from a third party database that stores biometric data.Third, it can be obtained by imaging a photo identification card of theuser.

After the second set of biometric data is stored in the user's computeror in the memory of the central server, a biometric identificationprogram compares the first set of biometric data with the second set ofbiometric data at 445. If the first and second sets of biometric dataare stored in the central server, then the biometric identificationprogram is executed by the central server. If the first and second setsof biometric data are stored in the user's computer, then the biometricidentification program is executed by the user's computer. If thebiometric identification program fails to make a match between the twosets of data, a “no” outcome at step 450, or fails to make a series ofmatches, then the first set of biometric data is deleted from the user'scomputer at 460, and at 465 the browser is either shut down or furtheraccess to course materials is denied. The access process ends at 468. Inaddition, the second set of biometric data may also be deleted. Itshould also be noted that the steps of shutting down the browser at 465and deleting the first set of biometric data from the user's computer at460 can be reversed in sequence.

If there is a match between the two sets of data, a “yes” outcome atstep 450, then access to course study course materials is granted at 455(FIG. 5B). Next, while the user is accessing study course materials, thebiometric reader is used to obtain an additional set of biometric datafrom the user at 470. This data can be stored in the memory of theuser's computer (indicated by the connector B to FIG. 5A), and it canalso be stored in the memory of the central server. The biometricidentification program then compares the additional set of biometricdata with the first, the second or both the first and second sets ofbiometric data at 475. If there is a match between the two sets of data,a “yes” outcome at 480, and if the user wants more access to coursematerials, a “yes” outcome at 485, then further access is granted at455. The user can indicate that he or she wants more access by, forexample, doing nothing and thus maintaining the currently viewed webpage. Other means of indicating further access is requested could, forexample, comprise clicking on a continue button, clicking on a “nextpage” button, scrolling down a web page, or various other mechanismsknown to those of skill in the art. Steps 455 to 485 can be repeatedperiodically, between relatively long intervals, such as every five,ten, fifteen, or thirty minutes. Alternatively, steps 455 to 485 can berepeated continuously, such as every millisecond. For example, if thebiometric reader is a camera, the camera can take images at, e.g., tenframes per second or more, while the biometric identification programruns the comparison in real-time every millisecond. This confirms thatthe individual's face in real time is live and not simply a static imageheld in front of the camera.

If the biometric identification program fails to make a match betweenthe sets of data at step 480, a “no” outcome, or fails to make a seriesof matches, then the first set of biometric data is deleted from theuser's computer at 490, the browser is either shut down or furtheraccess to course materials is denied at 495, and the process ends at497. In addition, the second and additional sets of biometric data mayalso be deleted. It should also be noted that the steps of shutting downthe browser at 495 and deleting the first set of biometric data from theuser's computer at 490 can be reversed in sequence.

If verification was made throughout the study course process at steps450 and 480, then a certificate of study course completion is preparedat 497, and the certificate is mailed to the individual at 498, eitherby mail or electronically. The certificate can also be mailed to a thirdparty at 499 that may require proof of course completion, such as theDepartment of Motor Vehicles. In some embodiments, the certificate caninclude an image representing the biometric data. For example, thecertificate can include an image of the user's face, eye(s), signature,hand geometry, or fingerprints. If there is failure in the verificationat either of steps 450 and 480, then a notice of verification failure issent to the user instead of a certificate of course completion.

The present invention has been described above in terms of one or morepresently preferred embodiments so that an understanding of the presentinvention can be conveyed. There are, however, many configurations forcomputer systems and methods for online identity confirmation notspecifically described herein but with which the present invention isapplicable. The present invention should therefore not be seen aslimited to the particular embodiments described herein, but rather, itshould be understood that the present invention has wide applicabilitywith respect to online identity confirmation systems and methodsgenerally. Moreover, it will be apparent that certain features of eachembodiment can be used in combination with methods and systemsillustrated or described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the abovedescription should be construed as illustrative, and not in a limitingsense. All modifications, variations, or equivalent arrangements andimplementations that are within the scope of the attached claims shouldtherefore be considered within the scope of the invention.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A computerized method comprising: configuring atleast one processor device(s) to perform steps of: receiving a requestfrom a web browser or computer program for access to a web page orcomputer program; obtaining a first set of the individual's biometricdata in response to said request for access to a web page or computerprogram; allowing the individual to access the web page or computerprogram over the network either before or after or during obtaining thefirst set of the individual's biometric data; obtaining continuously orperiodically one or more additional sets of the individual's biometricdata while the individual is accessing the web page or computer program;correlating one of the one or more additional sets of biometric datawith another one of the one or more additional sets of biometric data orwith the first set of biometric data; and denying access to the web pageor computer program if one of the one or more additional sets ofbiometric data does not match another one of the one or more additionalsets of biometric data or does not match the first set of biometricdata.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the web page or computerprogram comprises study course material.
 23. The method of claim 22,wherein the web page or computer program comprises traffic study coursematerial.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the biometric datacomprises images of the individual's face, the method furthercomprising: obtaining an identification card or a copy of anidentification card of the individual; and comparing the identificationcard or the copy thereof with one of the sets of biometric data toverify the identity of the individual.
 25. The method of claim 24,wherein the comparison of the identification or the copy thereof withone of the sets of biometric data is performed manually.
 26. The methodof claim 24, wherein the comparison of the identification or the copythereof with one of the sets of biometric data is performed using abiometric data recognition program.
 27. The method of claim 21, furthercomprising detecting changes in the biometric data of the individual toconfirm that the individual's biometric data is live.
 28. The method ofclaim 21, wherein the first set of the individual's biometric data is animage obtained by imaging an identification card of the individual. 29.The method of claim 21, wherein the first set of the individual'sbiometric data is obtained before access to the web page or computerprogram is provided to the individual.
 30. The method of claim 21,wherein the first set of the individual's biometric data is obtainedafter access to the web page or computer program is provided to theindividual.
 31. The method of claim 21, wherein the web page or computerprogram comprises study course material.
 32. The method of claim 31,wherein the web page or computer program comprises traffic study coursematerial.
 33. The method of claim 21, wherein the biometric readercomprises a camera, a fingerprint reader, a microphone, an eye scanner,a signature pad, a keyboard, or a hand scanner.
 34. A computer programproduct embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumand having a computer-executable instructions recorded on said storagemedium for performing a method comprising: receiving a request from aweb browser or computer program launched by a computer used by anindividual for access to a web page or computer program comprising a webpage or computer program; providing the individual with access to theweb page or computer program; obtaining a first set of the individual'sbiometric data in response to said request for access to a web page orcomputer program; allowing the individual to access the web page orcomputer program over the network either before or after or duringobtaining the first set of the individual's biometric data prior toobtaining one or more additional sets of the individual's biometricdata; obtaining continuously or periodically said one or more additionalsets of the individual's biometric data while the individual isaccessing the web page or computer program; correlating one of the oneor more additional sets of biometric data with another one of the one ormore additional sets of biometric data or with the first set ofbiometric data; and receiving an access value or a decline value fromthe computer, and denying access to web page or computer program if thevalue is a decline value, wherein the value is a decline value if one ofthe one or more additional sets of biometric data does not match anotherone of the one or more additional sets of biometric data or does notmatch the first set of biometric data.
 35. The program product of claim34, wherein the web page or computer program comprises study coursematerial.
 36. The program product of claim 35, wherein the web page orcomputer program comprises traffic study course material.
 37. The methodof claim 34, wherein the biometric reader comprises a camera, afingerprint reader, a microphone, an eye scanner, a signature pad, akeyboard, or a hand scanner.
 38. A computer program product embodied ina non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and having acomputer-executable instructions recorded on said storage medium forperforming a method comprising: receiving a request from a web browseror computer program for access to a web page or computer program;obtaining a sample of the individual's biometric data in response tosaid request for access to a web page or computer program; correlatingthe sample of the individual's biometric data with another set of theindividuals previously collected biometric data; and denying access tothe web page or computer program if the said correlation does not matchor allowing access to the web page or computer program if saidcorrelation does match.
 39. The program product of claim 38, wherein theweb page or computer program comprises study course material.
 40. Theprogram product of claim 39, wherein the web page or computer programcomprises traffic study course material.
 41. The method of claim 38,wherein the biometric reader comprises a camera, a fingerprint reader, amicrophone, an eye scanner, a signature pad, a keyboard, or a handscanner.